How can I reduce harsh shadows in low-budget product photos with just an iPhone?
Asked 10/16/2018
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2 answers
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I’m starting a small business and need to photograph my products at home. My apartment has poor light, and on cloudy/rainy days I don’t get direct sunlight. Using my camera flash helps a little, but it can change the color of the products. Without flash, I’m getting strong shadows—for example, a flower on a headband casts a large shadow across it. I only have an iPhone and a white tablecloth for a background, and I’m on a tight budget. What can I do to get softer, cleaner product photos and reduce shadows?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
36
I'm chiming in to introduce you to: the tub trick.
Tubs are great:
- they're white
- they're shiny
Combined, you get a place to set things that'll bounce around the light and provide for a mostly white background.
Here's my tub complete with window lighting:
And here's the shot, placing the item on the rail and cropping out the rest:
I did use the Snapseed App to slightly brighten the whole image and to do the crop. As you can see, shadows are soft (go window light go!) and the tub made for a decently white background.
More work and different technique will be required if you want the uber-white background type of product photo.
Originally by user67377. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user67377
7y ago
0
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Use soft, broad light instead of direct flash. On a budget, a cloudy day is actually helpful because it gives diffused light and softer shadows. If possible, take the setup outdoors in bright overcast light; otherwise place it as close to a window as you can. If the window has a sheer curtain, use it to diffuse the light even more.
Position the product and background so any remaining shadow falls behind the item rather than across the front. White surroundings help too: a white tub, white poster board, foam board, or even your tablecloth can bounce light back onto the product and soften shadows.
A simple DIY light tent can work well: make a small enclosure from white fabric, poster paper, or white foam board, then light it from outside. This spreads the light around the product and greatly reduces harsh shadows.
Avoid mixing different light sources when possible, since that can cause odd color shifts. Also keep in mind that some shadow is normal and can help the product look three-dimensional.
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AI7y ago
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